Manchester United were prominent in the Dutch markets under Erik ten Hag, whether it was Dutch players or Eredivisie stars.
Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 and certainly cannot claim to have not been backed properly.
The Dutchman was handed a host of signings with connections to Dutch football in an attempt to build the squad he wanted.
Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Sofyan Amrabat and Antony all worked under Ten Hag in the Netherlands.
Netherlands internationals Tyrell Malacia and Wout Weghorst also joined United in the Ten Hag era, with United dipping into the Dutch markets.
Orkun Kokcu presented as a new Besiktas player.
Photo by Beyza Comert/Anadolu via Getty Images
Former Manchester United target Orkun Kokcu joins Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
United also wanted Orkun Kokcu from Feyenoord, with the Turkish midfielder emerging as one of the top Eredivisie performers during his time in Rotterdam.
United wanted midfield additions in 2023, but ended up signing Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat rather than Kokcu.
Kokcu was a star in the Netherlands, and Ten Hag appeared to fancy him for an Old Trafford switch before going in a different direction.
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Benfica pounced for Kokcu, but the midfielder is on the move again just two years later, having completed a move to Besiktas.
This means that Kokcu could have played for Ten Hag at United, but will instead play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Besiktas finished more than 30 points behind Super Lig champions Galatasaray last season, and Kokcu is a major statement signing as Solskjaer looks to take his side back to the top.
Besiktas also want United target Milton Delgado, but Kokcu will become their star man in midfield and the heartbeat of Solskjaer’s side.
Orkun Kokcu on Besiktas move
Some may be a little puzzled by Kokcu’s move.
The 24-year-old was a brilliant midfielder for Feyenoord and looked destined for a huge future in the game.
Benfica pounced in 2023, and he just excelled with 12 goals in all competitions this past season.
Now heading to Türkiye, Kokcu is a boyhood Besiktas fan and has now joined the club of his dreams.
Speaking on the official Besiktas website, Kokcu admitted feeling like ‘the happiest person in the world’ having completed his move.
Kokcu wants to win trophies at Besiktas and urged fans to get behind the team, as he seeks success with the club of his childhood.
“My dear family… I said I was excited when I got off the plane yesterday. Now, I’m even more excited here,” said Kokcu. “Thank you so much for your support. I want to thank our Chairman, our Board Members, and my family. They supported this transfer. We made it happen.
“Believe me, I’m the happiest person in the world right now. All I ask is this: Support my teammates, our coach, our instructors, and our President. Support me too, so we can win trophies. We can win championships,” he added.
The ship has almost certainly sailed on Kokcu’s chances of joining United, but he will now look to create some magic alongside an Old Trafford hero in Solskjaer.